By
Laura Hyde |
There is ongoing gender disparity in the maritime sector, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association’s (WISTA) second joint Women in Maritime Survey.
Published to coincide with International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May, the survey presents data on the proportion and distribution of women working in the maritime sector from IMO member states, as well as in the private sector. In 2024 there were 176,820 people identifying as female working in the industry compared with 151,979 in 2021. However, women accounted for just under 19 per cent of the total workforce sampled in 2024, compared with 26 per cent in 2021. This is partly due to increased participation in the survey from IMO member states.
“The second IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey provides valuable insights into the sector’s progress since the baseline dataset gathered in the 2021 survey,” said Arsenio Dominguez, secretary general of the IMO. “Greater participation from member states and industry is a welcome indication of growing engagement with gender matters. However, there is some way to go. Female representation is still disproportionately low, and women represent a small fraction of the seagoing workforce, highlighting the urgent need for continued commitment and action. We must redouble our efforts to foster a truly diverse and inclusive maritime industry.”
The report, which shares insights into leadership, workforce participation, policies and education, found significant variances between activities. For example, there was greater female representation in sectors such as environmental, social and governance and decarbonisation, while other areas, including bunkering and legal services, recorded a decline.
“The Women in Maritime Survey was designed to deliver real data on the state of gender diversity in maritime and offer guidance on the areas that require more attention,” said Elpi Petraki, president of WISTA International. “The intention is to inspire change and act as a collective call to action. Attracting, retaining and promoting women – both on land and at sea – remains a priority moving forward. However, the new data also shows how opportunities across the industry continue to be limited for women due to barriers such as gender stereotyping, workplace safety concerns, a lack of family-friendly policies and the ongoing gender pay gap.”
The report’s findings have been used to also provide detailed recommendations on how IMO member states and industry can contribute to improving gender diversity in the maritime industry. Suggestions include enhancing recruitment and retention initiatives, expanding mentorship and leadership development programmes, strengthening policy implementation and guaranteeing safe and supportive working environments.
International Day for Women in Maritime is celebrated annually on 18 May. This year it aims to highlight pathways for women’s leadership, participation and impact in the global ocean economy.
The IMO will promote gender diversity and equality at an event on 16 May at its headquarters in London, UK. The IMO will host a live podcast interview, presented by maritime influencer Karanvir Singh Nayyar, as well as panel discussions featuring women in maritime from around the world focusing on ‘Ocean conservation: young people and why change matters’ and ‘Navigating challenges and seizing opportunities’. Maritime entrepreneur Karin Orsel will also be presented with her IMO Gender Equality Award.
Global ferry association Interferry is marking International Day for Women in Maritime by spotlighting Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram, board member of Interferry and chairperson of Chao Phraya Express Boat Co in Bangkok, Thailand, as an example of female leadership in the maritime industry.
Pichaironarongsongkram is a third-generation female leader in maritime family business and has been “instrumental” in modernising waterway transportation services across Bangkok, says Interferry. With a combined fleet of 85 boats across Chao Phraya Express Boat Co and affiliate companies, the group provides service for over 10 million passengers annually.
Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram is a third-generation female leader at Chao Phraya Express Boat Co
“The International Day for Women in Maritime is not just a celebration – it’s a call to action,” said Pichaironarongsongkram. “True progress comes when we empower women at all levels and recognise their ability to lead with resilience, vision, and empathy. Creating an inclusive organisation is about more than policies. It’s about building a culture where women are seen, heard, and given opportunities to grow. We invest in tailored training programmes, flexible working conditions, and mentorship opportunities so women can thrive in all aspects of our operations.”
More than 50 per cent of Chao Phraya Express Boat Co’s workforce is female, including a significant number of women in technical and operational roles, and 10 per cent of the company’s captains are women.
“As Interferry continues to spotlight stories of transformation and inclusion across our global network, Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram stands as an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when tradition meets innovation – and when women have the opportunity to become leaders in the maritime industry,” said Mike Corrigan, CEO of Interferry. “We are very proud that she is sharing her extensive leadership experience with us as a board member of Interferry.”
Chao Phraya Express Boat Co and Pichaironarongsongkram will host the 50th anniversary edition of the annual Interferry conference, Interferry2026, in Bangkok from 31 October to 4 November.
Download and read the full report from the IMO website or from the WISTA International website.